Wow! This is such sad news :( 
I worked with Mike at DOC a long time ago. I remember when we became friends he found out that I liked eggnog and bought and delivered me a quart of eggnog to have at the office for my coffee. It was so sweet of him. I’ll never forget that. Then we became walking buddies for a second before I switched agencies. 
Mike was such a kind and warm person. He was full of nice gestures to everyone. 
He sent me this picture that I still have on my phone.  Now it’s even more special. You will be missed by many!

Mike was my brother. That is a term that I use sparingly and rarely give out. I know I could count on him. We had a lot of things in common, one in particular which I look back and smile - college football - he was a Michigan guy, and I'm Ohio State lol. His joy for life and his smile was infectious and I enjoyed being around him. I'm humbled that he considered me a brother.

I will miss you bro!!

My sincere condolences to Joanna and family on your loss. Mike would occasionally stop by the reception desk at OIT and say Hi to Karm and I. He always had a smile on his face and a few kind words to share. He was always a delight.

I only spoke with Michael once in my short time at WSDOT, but work closely with his mother, Joanna, who was the first very friendly and welcoming face I saw on arriving at WSDOT. It took a while to figure out Michael and Joanna were related, but once I did, Joanna and I would chat about family occasionally and I got a sense of the pride she had in him as a person and as a third generation WSDOT employee. As I learned over the course of the last year of Michael's condition and inevitable end, I have been heartbroken. The loss of such a wonderful person and son of someone I know and care for has been profoundly impactful. I don't believe we can ever forget the loss of a child, but with the joy that Michael brought to everyone he came in contact with, perhaps over time, the memories of this great loss can transform into memories of happiness and joy for the happiness and positivity he brought to the world in his time with us.

This absolutely breaks my heart!  I am a coworker & wish my deepest condolences to Joanna & the whole family.  Mike was such a ray of light & always had a big smile for everyone.  I'll miss chatting with him at our work events, as well as at the office "After Hours" gatherings; Lois & I also enjoyed the times he would swing by the front desk for a quick chat. I considered Mike not only a coworker, but a friend.  He will be truly missed by many!

I will miss our Saturday morning sweats where I always got to hear about the things Mike loved His family, friends, Cora and Michigan sports not necessarily in that order.  I've read the post and while I have never met many of you I feel like I know you through Mike as he always filled me in on what he was doing and with who.  He led an exciting life and we are all better people for having him in ours,  
Hopefully I bump into some of you somewhere down the road and we can have a couple fingers of Whiskey in Mike honor. 
Pat G

Our deepest condolences to the Jones family, especially to Joanna who cared for Mike every day of his illness.  We had the pleasure of meeting Mike just over 5 years ago when we moved in to his neighborhood.  We met over dogs! His Cora was such a beautiful girl, and Mike was such a great ambassador.  Sports was always the main topic. We miss you Mike.  May you be at rest now, God bless.
Bart and Candice Rydalch

My deepest sympathies to Mike's many loved ones. He was an absolute joy to know and to work with. He touched many lives for the better with his wonderful personality, generosity, and wit. I feel so fortunate to have had the opportunity to know him.
With love,
Michelle Morgan

I'm heartbroken.  Mike was an incredible friend.
We met in high school and spent our 20s coming of age sharing laughs, music, drinks, fears, beliefs... I'll forever cherish the honesty of our conversations.  My favorite memories of Jones are of us so often laughing at each other, trying to get the other to break.  He taught me how Michigan is the best and Ohio State is not the best. 
I'll love and miss you forever brother.

On behalf of all the Washington State Department of Transportation and the Technology Services Division, please accept my deepest sympathies and condolences for the loss of such an amazing person and teammate. All of us who had the privilege of knowing and working with Michael benefitted so much from the time we had with him. His positive energy and selfless service to our division, agency, the state, and all his teammates will be remembered and missed for so many years to come. Please know that the thoughts, prayers, and support of our entire agency are with you in this incredibly trying time. 

Respectfully,

Matt Modarelli, Director, Technology Services Division
WSDOT

Mike was one of the most influential people in my life. For our first fishing trip with bobbers & worms in our late teens to our last trip in capital forest it was always an adventure. We logged countless miles together on hunts and fishing trips and his favorite thing to say was “I wonder what’s around the next corner of the trail or bend in the river”. Mike’s passion for the outdoors was unmatched and was infectious on so many people. He loved hunting and fishing but had so much empathy for nature he struggled morally with even harvesting a fish, it was always about the pursuit and drive to be out there. He was one of the best marksman, fly fishermen, archer, hunter, bush crafter, therapist, financial advisor, wingman, blade smith, and friend I’ve ever met. There won’t be a hunt I go on where his memory isn’t with me and I’ll always see what’s around the next bend. I’ll see you on the other side.

I am so sorry about Mike's passing. 
I worked for WSF and Mike and I were on a committee that met three times a year in person, so I spent a fair amount of time with him. We bonded over our mutual love of sports, and he was one person I always looked forward to seeing. One of our meetings was almost always the night of the final four March Madness game in April, and many years we got together and watched it.
I have been retired 6 years now, so have not seen Mike in a long time, but I remember him fondly. My condolences to Joanna and his family.

Nothing about Mike was ordinary. He had a special light even in his greetings. Always, “Sarrrrrnt Gordham, my man!” accompanied by a light chuckle and his trademark beaming smile. It didn’t matter where we were, what we were doing, or who was visiting whom. His warm greetings always seemed like they were followed by an implied, “Welcome to my epic life!”

Somehow, every plan turned into an adventure, no matter how mild the intentions. SOME of the highlights:
Swimming with sea turtles, chasing stingrays, exploring sugar mill ruins, climbing a dry waterfall just for the view at the top, and road marching halfway around St John from beach to beach. (Mike wearing nothing but Ranger panties, flip flops and a rucksack)

The one that stands out the most for me, though, is a hike we made to a hidden beach on St Thomas. We listened to “Run Through the Jungle” by Creedence while literally running through the jungle. That was the first time Mike and I had ever talked about anything other than working out, Michigan Football, weaponry, or the military. It doesn’t matter what we talked about. I felt (and still feel) privileged, honored, and grateful that he shared anything personal with me. He always kept his cards so close to his vest.

I’m not surprised that he didn’t reach out when he got sick. It’s no surprise that he wouldn’t want a memorial service. He kept his private life private and wouldn’t want to bother anyone. So this is my eulogy, to “Dr.” Michael Jones, who added adventure to every life he touched, and will live forever in my mind as one of the strangest and best dudes I’ve ever known. I just wish I could’ve said goodbye.

This picture captures him perfectly. Center of the picture and embracing his buddies.

I don’t think there was a person he met who wasn’t touched by his sincerity, intelligence, and commitment to those around him. One unique thing about Mike was his ability to recall lines from movies. Two of his favorite movies were – MAN ON FIRE and BLOOD DIAMOND. We spent hours talking about scenes from these 2 movies.  I think they both represent what Mike strived for – absolute loyalty to his family and his friends and dedication to strive forward, always forward, to take care of those he cared most about. So, instead of being a special operations soldier, he was a rock at WSDOT and for his family and friends. He was someone that others depended on and enjoyed spending time with. He was the life of the party. He was a light in the darkness, stripped down by this devastating illness. I cannot say how much I miss Mike and how saddened I am.  To steal a line from one of his favorite movies, “…[he] was the sheep who got lost.”  If you’re a praying person, please say a prayer to lift up the Jones family.  If you’re a drinker, please pour one out in honor of Mike. Go Blue! Farewell.

Mike Jones. What do I say about this man, my friend?  I’m devastated. He was passionate about his family, the United States Military, the University of Michigan, and his friends at WSDOT. I knew more about his sister and his niece/nephew, his dad, his uncles, and his cousins than any other co-worker I’ve had. That was because he bragged on them and talked about them whenever he could.  He exuded so much pride in his heritage and his family. He was an old soul in the body of a  young warrior. In better times we used to joke that Mike had missed his calling in life … he should have been an Airborne Ranger or a Special Forces door kicker.  He filled this niche with hunting and tracking, combat sports, shooting, golf, UM, taking care of his dog, developing deep and lasting friendships. He made everyone around him feel better about themselves; he made everyone around him better; he made us laugh and wonder at his work ethic and willingness to do the jobs that others didn’t want. He was an asset in every meeting, road trip, and golf outing; and it was in the quiet moments between meetings when nothing was going on, that he eloquently shared his heart and mind and passions and friendship and love. You knew where Mike stood and what Mike meant. He was a real one. He was authentic. He had a path, and he walked it. He lived a life worth living.

I was so saddened to hear of the passing of Mikey. I remember him always saying hi to us at work and engaging with my kids. He made an impact wherever he went. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time.

Mikey grew into a "stand up" kinda young man who was loved by many. I loved my nephew and enjoyed the time we shared. Blessings to his family during this most difficult time. Free of pain and resting in The Lord's arms..

We used to joke that together we made up a full Swede and see people’s shocked faces when we told them we were Swedish. Mike was one of those guys you could go months, even years without seeing but then pick up exactly where you left off. He had such a tough exterior but one of the kindest, most caring people I know. Miss you so much buddy but glad you’re at peace. I’ll be wandering the outdoors in your honor.

OBITUARIO

Michael James Jones

14 abril, 1985 – 15 enero, 2025

Mills & Mills Funeral Home & Memorial Park

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